U.S. patent number 6,822,578 [Application Number 10/095,649] was granted by the patent office on 2004-11-23 for led warning signal light and light bar.
This patent grant is currently assigned to 911EP, Inc.. Invention is credited to John C. Pederson.
United States Patent |
6,822,578 |
Pederson |
November 23, 2004 |
Led warning signal light and light bar
Abstract
A light emitting diode (LED) warning signal light, the warning
signal light comprising an array of light sources configured on a
light support and in electrical communication with a controller and
a power supply, battery, or other electrical source. The warning
signal light provides various colored light signals for independent
use or use by an emergency vehicle. These light signals may include
a stationary light, strobe light, revolving light, and an
oscillating light. Additionally, the warning signal light may be
capable of displaying symbols, reverse characters, or arrows.
Preferably, rotating and oscillating light signals are produced by
sequentially illuminating columns of LED's on a stationary light
support. However, the warning signal light may also be rotated or
oscillated via mechanical means. The warning signal light may also
be transportable for easy connection to a stand such as a tripod
for electrical connection to a power supply as a stand-alone
warning signal.
Inventors: |
Pederson; John C. (St. Cloud,
MN) |
Assignee: |
911EP, Inc. (Jacksonville,
FL)
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Family
ID: |
27370331 |
Appl.
No.: |
10/095,649 |
Filed: |
March 11, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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590881 |
Jun 9, 2000 |
6424269 |
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169871 |
Oct 12, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
340/815.45;
340/471; 340/472; 340/907; 362/800; 340/908 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09F
21/042 (20200501); G08B 5/38 (20130101); G09F
21/04 (20130101); B60Q 1/2611 (20130101); B60Q
1/2696 (20130101); G09F 9/33 (20130101); F21W
2111/00 (20130101); F21Y 2107/30 (20160801); F21Y
2115/10 (20160801); Y10S 362/80 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B60Q
1/26 (20060101); G09F 21/00 (20060101); G09F
21/04 (20060101); G09F 9/33 (20060101); G08B
005/22 () |
Field of
Search: |
;340/815.45,907,908,471,472,469,473,321 ;362/249,362,800 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
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Primary Examiner: Lieu; Julie
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Vidas, Arrett & Steinkraus,
P.A.
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a divisional application from U.S. application
Ser. No. 09/590,881, filed Jun. 9, 2000 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,424,269
which is a Continuation Application from U.S. application Ser. No.
09/169,871, filed Oct. 12, 1998, now abandoned, which is based upon
and claims priority to Provisional U.S. Patent Application No.
60/062,559, filed Oct. 21, 1997, and Provisional U.S. Patent
Application No. 60/094,803, filed Jul. 31, 1998, the entire
contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A multiple warning signal light for use with a motorized
vehicle, the multiple warning signal light comprising: a) a light
bar having a first visible exterior surface; b) a plurality of
light emitting diodes arranged about and attached to the first
visible exterior surface; and c) at least one controller in
electric communication with the light emitting diodes, the at least
one controller constructed and arranged to activate the light
emitting diodes thereby producing at least two different types of
visually distinct warning light signals, wherein the at least two
different types of visually distinct warning light signals are
produced simultaneously, said light emitting diodes receiving power
from a power source.
2. The multiple warning signal light of claim 1, said light bar
further comprising a second visible exterior surface having a
plurality of light emitting diodes arranged about and attached to
said second visible exterior surface.
3. The multiple warning signal light of claim 2, wherein the at
least one controller independently controls the light emitting
diodes on the first visible exterior surface and the second visible
exterior surface for the provision of different warning light
signals on the first visible exterior surface and the second
visible exterior surface.
4. The multiple warning signal light of claim 1, said plurality of
light emitting diodes comprising light emitting diodes of at least
two different colors.
5. The multiple warning signal light of claim 4, the at least one
controller activating the light emitting diodes to create at least
one of a single colored warning light signal and at least one of a
multi-colored warning light signal.
6. The multiple warning signal light of claim 1, wherein the
motorized vehicle is a utility vehicle.
7. The multiple warning signal light of claim 1, wherein the
motorized vehicle is an emergency vehicle.
8. A multiple warning signal light for use with a motorized
vehicle, the multiple warning signal light comprising: a) a light
bar having a first visible exterior surface; b) a plurality of
light emitting diodes arranged about and attached to the first
visible exterior surface; and c) at least one controller in
electric communication with the light emitting diodes, the at least
one controller constructed and arranged to activate the light
emitting diodes thereby producing at least two different types of
visually distinct warning light signals, wherein the at least two
different types of visually distinct warning light signals are
produced in at least one combination, said light emitting diodes
receiving power from a power source.
9. The multiple warning signal light of claim 8, said warning
signal light further comprising a second visible exterior surface
having a plurality of light emitting diodes arranged about and
attached to said second visible exterior surface.
10. The multiple warning signal light of claim 9, wherein the at
least one controller independently controls the light emitting
diodes on the first visible exterior surface and the second visible
exterior surface for the provision of different warning light
signals on the first visible exterior surface and the second
visible exterior surface.
11. The multiple warning signal light of claim 9, said plurality of
light emitting diodes comprising light emitting diodes of at least
two different colors.
12. The multiple warning signal light of claim 11, the at least one
controller activating the light emitting diodes to create at least
one of a single colored warning light signal and at least one of a
multi-colored warning light signal.
13. The multiple warning signal light of claim 8, wherein the
motorized vehicle is a utility vehicle.
14. The multiple warning signal light of claim 8, wherein the
motorized vehicle is an emergency vehicle.
15. The multiple warning signal light of claim 8, wherein three or
more visually distinct warning light signals are generated in any
combination.
16. The multiple warning signal light of claim 8, wherein three or
more visually distinct warning light signals are generated
simultaneously in any combination.
17. The multiple warning signal light of claim 8, wherein three or
more visually distinct warning light signals are generated
alternatively in any combination.
18. The multiple warning signal light of claim 8, wherein three or
more visually distinct warning light signals are generated in any
combination of two or more visually distinct warning light
signals.
19. The multiple warning signal light of claim 8, wherein three or
more visually distinct warning light signals are generated
simultaneously in any combination of two or more visually distinct
warning light signals.
20. The multiple warning signal light of claim 8, wherein three or
more visually distinct warning signals are generated alternatively
in any combination of two or more visually distinct warning light
signals.
21. The multiple warning signal light of claim 8, wherein three or
more visually distinct warning light signals are generated in any
combination of three or more visually distinct warning light
signals.
22. The multiple warning signal light of claim 8, wherein three or
more visually distinct warning light signals are generated
simultaneously in any combination of three or more visually
distinct warning light signals.
23. The multiple warning signal light of claim 8, wherein three or
more visually distinct warning light signals are generated
alternatively in any combination of three or more visually distinct
warning light signals.
24. The multiple warning signal light of claim 8, wherein three or
more visually distinct warning light signals are generated in a
regular pattern.
25. The multiple warning signal light of claim 8, wherein three or
more visually distinct warning light signals are generated in an
intermittent pattern.
26. The multiple warning signal light of claim 8, wherein three or
more visually distinct warning light signals are generated in an
irregular pattern.
27. The multiple warning signal light of claim 8, wherein three or
more visually distinct warning light signals are generated in a
regular sequence.
28. The multiple warning signal light of claim 8, wherein three or
more visually distinct warning light signals are generated in an
intermittent sequence.
29. The multiple warning signal light of claim 8, wherein three or
more visually distinct warning light signals are generated in an
irregular sequence.
30. The multiple warning signal light of claim 8, wherein three or
more visually distinct warning light signals are generated at
regular intervals.
31. The multiple warning signal light of claim 8, wherein three or
more visually distinct warning light signals are generated at
intermittent intervals.
32. The multiple warning signal light of claim 8, wherein three or
more visually distinct warning light signals are generated at
irregular intervals.
33. The multiple warning signal light of claim 8, wherein the at
least two visually distinct warning light signals are generated in
any combination.
34. The multiple warning signal light of claim 8, wherein the at
least two visually distinct warning light signals are generated
simultaneously in any combination.
35. The multiple warning signal light of claim 8, wherein the at
least two visually distinct warning light signals are generated
alternatively in any combination.
36. The multiple warning signal light of claim 8, wherein the at
least two visually distinct warning light signals are generated in
a regular pattern.
37. The multiple warning signal light of claim 8, wherein the at
least two different types of visually distinct warning light
signals are generated in an intermittent pattern.
38. The multiple warning signal light of claim 8, wherein the at
least two different types of visually distinct warning light
signals are generated in an irregular pattern.
39. The multiple warning signal light of claim 8, wherein the at
least two different types of visually distinct warning light
signals are generated in a regular sequence.
40. The multiple warning signal light of claim 8, wherein the at
least two different types of visually distinct warning light
signals are generated in an intermittent sequence.
41. The multiple warning signal light of claim 8, wherein the at
least two different types of visually distinct warning light
signals are generated in an irregular sequence.
42. The multiple warning signal light of claim 8, wherein the at
least two different types of visually distinct warning light
signals are generated at regular intervals.
43. The multiple warning signal light of claim 8, wherein the at
least two different types of visually distinct warning light
signals are generated at intermittent intervals.
44. The multiple warning signal light of claim 8, wherein the at
least two different types of visually distinct warning light
signals are generated at irregular intervals.
45. The multiple warning signal light of claim 1, wherein said at
least one controller is powered by low voltage.
46. The multiple warning signal light of claim 8, wherein said at
least one controller is powered by low voltage.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Light bars or emergency lights of the type used on emergency
vehicles such as fire trucks, police cars, and ambulances, utilize
warning signal lights to produce a variety of light signals. These
light signals involve the use of various colors and patterns.
Generally, these warning signal lights consist of revolving and
oscillating lamps having reflective back support members and
colored filters as depicted in U.S. Pat. No. 5,091,828.
Many problems exist with the known methods for producing warning
light signals. One particular problem with known light bars is
their reliance on mechanical components to revolve or oscillate the
lamps to produce the desired light signal. Additionally, these
components increase the size of the light bar or emergency lights
which adversely affect its drag characteristics. Moreover, there is
an increased likelihood that a breakdown will occur requiring the
repair or replacement of the defective component.
The most common light sources being used in light bars or emergency
lights include halogen lamps or gaseous discharge xenon lamps.
These lamps emanate large amounts of heat which is difficult to
dissipate from the sealed light bar or emergency light and may
damage the electronic circuitry contained therein. In addition,
these lamps consume large amounts of current requiring a large
power supply or large battery or electrical source. These lamps
also generate substantial electromagnetic emissions which may
interfere with radio communications. Finally, these lamps, which
are not rugged, have relatively short life spans necessitating
frequent replacement.
Another problem with the known warning signal lights is their use
of filters to produce the desired color. This filtering technique
produces more heat that must be dissipated. Moreover, changing the
color of a light source requires the physical removal of the filter
from the light bar or emergency light and the insertion of a new
filter. Furthermore, filters fade or flake making them unable to
consistently produce the desired color.
These problems associated with traditional signaling lamps are
exacerbated by the fact that creating multiple light signals
requires multiple signaling lamps. Further, there is little
flexibility in modifying the light signal created by a lamp. For
example, changing a stationary lamp into one that rotates or
oscillates would require a substantial modification to the light
bar which may not be possible.
In view of the above, there is a need for a warning signal light
that: (1) is capable of producing multiple light signals; (2)
producing the appearance of a revolving or oscillating light signal
without relying upon mechanical components; (3) generates little
heat; (4) uses substantially less electric current; (5) produces
significantly lessor amounts of electromagnetic emissions; (6) is
rugged and has a long life span; and (7) produces a truer light
output color without the use of filters.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention, there is provided a light emitting
diode (LED) warning signal light which may be depicted in several
embodiments. In general, the warning signal light comprises an
array of light sources configured on a light support and in
electrical communication with a controller and a power supply,
battery, or other electrical source. The warning signal light
provides various colored light signals for use by an emergency
vehicle. These light signals may include a stationary light, a
strobe light, a revolving light, and an oscillating light.
Additionally, the warning signal light may be capable of displaying
symbols, characters, or arrows. Preferably, rotating and
oscillating light signals are produced by sequentially illuminating
columns of LED's on a stationary light support. However, the
warning signal light may also be rotated or oscillated via
mechanical means. The warning signal light may also be
transportable for easy connection to a stand such as a tripod for
electrical connection to a power supply, battery, or other
electrical source as a stand-alone signal.
An object of an embodiment of the invention is to provide a warning
signal light capable of producing revolving and oscillating light
signals without the use of mechanical components.
Another object of an embodiment of the invention is that the
warning signal light is capable of producing several different
light signals.
Yet another object of an embodiment of the invention is to generate
substantially less heat than traditional warning signal lights.
Yet another object of an embodiment of the invention is to use
substantially less electric current.
Still another object of an embodiment of the invention is to
produce relatively lower amounts of electromagnetic emissions.
Another object of an embodiment of the invention is to be rugged
and have a relatively longer life span than traditional warning
signal lights.
Yet another object of an embodiment of the invention is to produce
a truer light output color without the use of filters.
Still another object of an embodiment of the invention is to allow
the user to adjust the color of the light signal without having to
make a physical adjustment from a multi-colored panel.
Another object of an embodiment of the invention is that it can be
formed into various shapes. This allows the invention to be
customized for the particular need.
Yet another object of an embodiment of the invention is that the
light signal produced can be easily customized by the user via a
microprocessor.
A feature of an embodiment of the invention is a plurality of light
emitting diodes (LED's), integral to a circuit board, where the
LED's are aligned in vertical columns and horizontal rows.
Another feature of an embodiment of the invention is the mounting
of a panel of LED's to a mechanical device which rotates or
oscillates the panel during use as a warning signal light on an
emergency vehicle.
Yet another feature of an embodiment of the invention is the
provision of a plurality of LED's mounted to a flexible circuit
board which may be manipulated into any desired configuration and
can be used as a stationary, rotating, or oscillating signal light
by an emergency vehicle.
Still another feature of an embodiment of the invention is the
provision of a microprocessor/controller which is in electrical
communication with a panel of LED's to selectively activate the
LED's to produce a revolving or oscillating light signal.
Yet another feature of an embodiment of the invention is the
provision of an LED support member supporting an array of colored
LED's and a controller capable of selecting LED's of the same color
to produce a single or mixed colored light signal.
Still another feature of an embodiment of the invention is the
provision of a light emitting diode support member having an array
of LED's disposed about a front surface consisting of at least two
sides and a controller capable of producing light signals on each
side that are independent of each other.
Still another feature of an embodiment of the invention is the
provision of an LED support member having an array of LED's
angularly offset with respect to the LED support member for the
provision of a horizontal light signal as viewed by an individual
when the LED support member is mounted within the interior of the
forward or rear windshield of a vehicle.
Still another feature of an embodiment of the invention is the
provision of an LED support member which may be easily connectable
and/or removed from a transportable support such as a tripod for
placement of an LED warning signal light at any location as desired
by an individual.
Still another feature of an embodiment of the invention is the
provision of an LED support member which may be easily connectable
to an emergency vehicle, including but not limited to automobiles,
ambulances, trucks, motorcycles, snowmobiles, and/or any other type
of vehicle in which warning signal or emergency lights are
utilized.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of an emergency vehicle
equipped with a light bar containing warning signal lights
according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a partial front elevational view of an emergency vehicle
equipped with a light bar containing warning signal lights
according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a warning signal light attached to
a gyrator according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a warning signal light according to
an embodiment of the invention depicting the sequential activation
of columns of light emitting diodes (LED's).
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a warning light signal according to
an embodiment of the invention depicting sequential activation of
rows of LED's.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a warning light signal according to
an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a warning light signal according to
an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a warning light signal according to
an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a warning signal light according to
an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a warning signal light according
to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the controller circuitry in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a warning signal light according
to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 13 is a perspective detail view of a warning signal light
attached to the interior of a windshield of an emergency
vehicle.
FIG. 14 is a side plan view of a warning signal light mounted to an
interior surface of an emergency vehicle window having auxiliary
offset individual LED light sources.
FIG. 15 is an environmental view of a warning signal light as
engaged to a remote support device such as a tripod.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
A warning signal light according to the principles of this
invention is indicated generally as 10. FIGS. 1 and 2 depict light
bar 70 mounted to an emergency vehicle 104. Light bar 70 includes
base 72, mounting means 74, cover 82, and warning signal lights 10.
Also included in light bar 70 are gyrators 90 used to impart motion
to warning signal lights 10.
Referring to FIGS. 3 and 9, warning signal light 10 comprises light
support 12, light sources 30, controller 50 (shown in FIG. 11), and
connecting portion 40 for attaching the warning signal light to
light bar 70 or gyrator 90. The warning signal light 10 operates to
create a warning signal for use by an emergency vehicle by
selectively activating light sources 30 using controller 50.
Light sources 30 are preferably light emitting diodes (LED's) and
are generally arranged in aligned columns 32 and rows 34 as shown
in FIG. 7 and 9. Each of the light emitting diodes (LED's) may have
shoulder portion 38 adjacent LED support 12 and dome 36. LED's 30
are situated to be in electric communication with controller 50 and
a power supply, a battery, or power source. The use of light
emitting diodes (LED's) instead of the traditional halogen or
gaseous discharge xenon lamps results in a reduction of heat
generation, current draw, and electromagnetic emissions, while
increasing lamp life and producing a more true output light
color.
Controller 50, is used to selectively activate columns 32, rows 34,
or individual LED's 30, to create a constant light signal, a strobe
light signal, a flashing light signal, the illusion of a rotating
or an oscillating light signal, a reverse character message, or
images such as arrows. FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of controller 50
capable of selectively activating columns 32, rows 34 or individual
LED's 30. Controller 50 generally comprises microprocessor 52 and
circuitry 53 and is preferably contained within, attached to, or an
element of, LED support 12. It is envisioned that controller 50 be
programmed by an external controller and powered through cable
R.
In a preferred embodiment, controller 50 generally comprises
circuit board 54 having microprocessor 52 attached to a low voltage
power supply, battery, or electrical source 56. Microprocessor 52
is configured through circuitry 53 to selectively activate columns
of LED's 30. Transistors Q9 and Q10 are in electronic communication
with microprocessor 52, power supply, battery, or electrical source
56, and their respective columns 32.9 and 32.10 of LED's 30.
Columns 32 of LED's 30 are connected to transistors Q1-Q8, which
are in turn connected to microprocessor 52 through resistors R1-R8.
Microprocessor 52 is capable of selectively activating transistors
Q1-Q8 to allow current flowing through transistors Q9 and Q-10 to
activate the selected column 32 of LED's 30. This circuit is
capable of producing a revolving, oscillating, or flashing light
signal.
In the preferred embodiment, a rotating or oscillating light signal
is preferably established by the sequential illumination of entire
columns 32 of LED's 30 turning a desired number of columns on and
then sequentially illuminating one additional column 32 while
turning another column 32 off. Alternatively, the rotating or
oscillating light signal may be created by selectively activating
columns 32 of LED's 30. The following algorithm may be used to
provide a counterclockwise revolving light signal (FIG. 9): 1)
column A is activated at 0% duty cycle (column A 0%), column B 0%,
column C 0%, column D 0%, column E 0%, column F 0%, column G 0%,
column H 0%, column I 0%, and column J 0%; 2) column A 25%, column
B 0%, column C 0%, column D 0%, column E 0%, column F 0%, column G
0%, column H 0%, column I 0%, and column J 0%; 3) column A 50%,
column B 25%, column C 0%, column D 0%, column E 0%, column F 0%,
column G 0%, column H 0%, column I 0%, and column J 0%; 4) column A
75%, column B 50%, column C 25%, column D 0%, column E 0%, column F
0%, column G 0%, column H 0%, column I 0%, and column J 0%; 5)
column A 100%, column B 75%, column C 50%, column D 25%, column E
0%, column F 0%, column G 0%, column H 0%, column I 0%, and column
J 0%; 6) column A 100%, column B 100%, column C 75%, column D 50%,
column E 25% column, column F 0%, column G 0%, column H 0%, column
I 0%, and column J 0%;; 7) column A 75%, column B 100%, column C
100%, column D 75%, column E 50%, F 25%, column G 0%, column H 0%,
column I 0%, and column J 0%; 8) column A 50%, column B 75%, column
C 100%, column D 100%, column E 75%, column F 50%, column G 25%,
column H 0%, column I 0, and column J 0%; 9) column A 25%, column B
50%, column C 75%, column D 100%, column E 100%, column F 75%,
column G 50%, column H 25%, column I 0%, and column J 0%; 10)
column A 0%, column B 25% column C 50% column D 75% column E 100%,
column F 100% column G 75% column H 50% column I 25%, and column J
0%; 11) column A 0% column B 0% column C 25% column D 50% column F
75% column F 100%, column G 100%, column H 75%, column I 50%, and
column J 25%; 12) column A 0%, column B 0%, column C 0%, column D
25%, column E 50% column F 75%, column G 100%, column H 100%,
column I 75%, and column J 50%; 13) column A 0%, column B 0%,
column C 0%, column D 0%, column E 25%, column F 50%, column G 75%,
column H 100%, column I 100%, and column J 75%; 14) column A 0%,
column B 0%, column C 0%, column D 0%, column E 0%, column F 25%,
column G 50%, column H 75%, column I 100%, and column J 100%; 15)
column A 0%, column B 0%, column C 0%, column D 0%, column E 0%,
column F 0%, column G 25%, column H 50%, column I 75%, and column J
100%; 16) column A 0%, column B 0%, column C 0%, column D 0%,
column E 0%, column F 0%, column G 0%, column H 25%, column I 50%,
and column J 75%; 17) column A 0%, column B 0%, column C 0%, column
D 0%, column E 0%, column F 0%, column G 0%, column H 0%, column I
25%, and column J 50%; 18) column A 0%, column B 0%, column C 0%,
column D 0%, column E 0%, column F 0%, column G 0%, column H 0%,
column I 0%, and column J 25%; 19) column A 0%, column B 0%, column
C 0%, column D 0%, column E 0%, column F 0%, column G 0%, column H
0%, column I 0%, and column J 0%; 20) return to step 1).
A clockwise revolving light signal is created by performing steps
1-19 in descending order then repeating the steps. An oscillating
light signal is created by performing: (a) steps 7 through 16 in
ascending order; (b) steps 7 through 16 in descending order; and
(c) repeating (a) and (b).
A second embodiment of controller 50 provides a means for
activating LED's 30 individually to allow for greater flexibility
in the type of light signal created. This embodiment of the
invention is capable of displaying information in different colors
or patterns. Depending on the size of the display, it may be
necessary to scroll the symbols or characters across the display to
accommodate for a larger visual appearance. It is envisioned that
the mirror image of patterns, symbols, or characters could be
displayed making the message easily readable by drivers viewing it
in their rear view mirror. It is also envisioned that this
embodiment of the invention could display arrows indicating a
direction the viewer is to travel or other images as shown in FIG.
2. In addition, combinations of signaling lights, direction arrows,
and other information carrying signals or images, could be
displayed simultaneously by the invention.
LED support 12 is envisioned to have several embodiments. One
embodiment, shown in FIG. 9, consists of a panel 14 having front
16, back 18, top 20, bottom 22 and sides 24. LED's 30 are arranged
on front 16, with domes 36 extending therefrom, in columns 32 and
rows 34. LED's 30 are in electric communication with controller 50
which may be contained or sealed within LED support 12 to provide
protection from the elements. In addition, panel 14 may be circuit
board 54 of controller 50.
Another embodiment of warning signal light 10 is depicted in FIG.
10. Here, the backs 18 of two panels 14 are attached together to
allow for a light signal to be produced on two sides. The two
panels form LED support 12. Alternatively, it is envisioned that a
single panel 14 having LED's arranged about front 16 and back 18
could be used as well.
FIGS. 6 and 8 show further embodiments of warning signal light 10.
In FIG. 8, panels 14 are used to form an LED support 12 shaped as a
square cylinder. FIG. 6 shows panels 14 connected to form a
triangular cylinder. In both embodiments, LED's 30 are arranged
about the fronts 16 of the panels 14. It is further envisioned that
panels 14 may be integral to each other.
Yet another embodiment of warning signal light 10, consists of a
flexible panel 14 and controller 50 to allow LED support 12 to be
formed into various shapes. FIG. 5 shows LED support 12 formed into
a circular cylinder. Further variations include the use of flexible
panels 14 to form other shapes such as semicircles (FIG. 12) or to
simply conform to a surface of an emergency vehicle (FIGS. 13 and
14). This embodiment is particularly useful for undercover vehicles
which generally position the warning signal lights inside the
vehicle. For example, panel 14 could be attached to the front,
rear, or side window of an undercover police car (FIG. 15).
It should be noted that numerous other shapes could be formed from
panels 14 including those formed from combinations of flat, curved,
and flexible panels at the preference of an individual.
In each of the embodiments discussed above, the array of LED's 30
may comprise the same or differently colored LED's. Generally, each
column may consist of a series of differently colored LED's.
Controller 50 can be configured to select the color LED to utilize
in forming the light signal. Accordingly, the user may select that
a blue, red, white, yellow, green, amber, or combination thereof be
used as the color of light signal.
It is also envisioned that the controller 50 may control warning
signal lights 10 having multiple sides (FIGS. 5, 6, 8, and 10) such
that each side is capable of producing light signals that are
independent from those produced by the other sides. For example,
the square cylinder warning signal light shown in FIG. 8 may
produce a red revolving light on first side 15.1, while second side
15.2 is simultaneously producing a blue oscillating light, while
third side 15.3 is producing a stationary white light, and while
fourth side 15.4 is producing a white strobe light.
Another embodiment of warning signal light 10 is depicted in FIGS.
1 and 2 as light bar 70 which extends from driver side 100 to
passenger side 102 of emergency vehicle 104. Cover 82 protects
light bar 70 from the elements. Each side of light bar 70 may have
LED's 30 to produce light signals on each side of emergency vehicle
104. Furthermore, controller 50 is used to create multiple light
signals on each side of light bar 70. For example, controller 50
could create a revolving blue light positioned at front passenger
side 102 of light bar 70, oscillating white lights positioned at
front driver side 100, and yellow arrows therebetween. Additional
light signals may be produced out the back and sides of light bar
70. It is further envisioned that light bar 70 may consist of a
single large array of LED's 30 across each side (not shown). This
embodiment provides the largest display and, therefore, is best
suited to display combinations of warning lights and images.
Mechanical rotation and oscillation of warning signal lights 10
about axis A is possible by way of attachment to gyrator 90
depicted in FIG. 3. Gyrator 90 mounted to light bar 70, generally
comprises electric motors 96 having cables 97. Gyrator 90 is
configured to receive connecting portion 40 of warning signal light
10. Cable 97 connects to a power supply and either an external
controller or controller 50.
Gyrator 90 may be capable of rotating or oscillating warning signal
light 10 about a single or dual axis of rotation A. FIG. 3 shows
gyrator 90 configured to rotate or oscillate warning signal light
10 about a vertical axis A by way of motor 96.1 and oscillate
warning signal light 10 about a horizontal axis A by way of motor
96.2. Rotation or oscillation of warning signal light 10 about
vertical axis A is accomplished through direct attachment of
connecting portion to motor 96.1. Oscillation of warning signal
light 10 about horizontal axis A is accomplished by attaching
swivel arm 99 to bracket 99.1 and post 99.2 which is mounted to
motor 96.2.
Alternative methods for imparting rotation or oscillation of
warning signal light 10 can be accomplished through the use of
electric motors, toothed gears, and worm gears. In addition,
maintaining an electronic communication between a power supply and
an external controller with a revolving or oscillating warning
signal light 10 can be accomplished using brushes or other means
without sacrificing the operation of the warning signal light
10.
In another embodiment as depicted in FIGS. 13 and 14, emergency
vehicle 104 may include a front or rear windshield 106. The front
or rear windshield 106 is generally angularly offset with respect
to the vehicle at an approximate angle of 45 degrees. In this
embodiment, the mounting of a panel 14 of light sources 30 in flush
contact with the interior of a front or rear windshield 106 occurs
through the use of angular offsets 108 for the light sources 30
such that light emitted from the light sources 30 occur at a
horizontal visual line (V) which is substantially parallel to the
plane of a vehicle and not at an approximate angle of 45 degrees
upward which corresponds to the angle of incident for the front or
rear windshield 106.
In this embodiment, the ease of visualization of the light source
30 is significantly enhanced by the downward angular offsets 108
which position the light sources 30 along parallel visual lines of
sight (V). LED supports 12 or panels 14 may then be positioned in
any desired location within the interior of a vehicle in flush
contact or proximate to the front or rear windshield 106. A
suitable cable 97 is naturally required to provide electrical power
for illumination of the light sources 30. It should be noted that
the angle of incidence for the angular offsets 108 may vary
considerably dependent upon the make or model for the vehicle to
include the warning signal lights 10.
It should be further noted that the warning signal light 10 may be
used with an automobile, motorcycle, snowmobile, personal
watercraft, boat, truck, fire vehicle, helicopter, and/or any other
type of vehicle receptive to the use of warning signal lights 10.
It should be further noted that LED support 12 or panel 14 may be
mounted to the interior top dashboard of a vehicle proximate to the
front windshield 106 or to the interior top rear dashboard
proximate to the rear windshield 106 of a vehicle.
Mounting of a light support 12 or panel 14 to either the front or
rear dashboards may minimize the necessity for inclusion of angular
offset 108 for the light sources 30. It should be further noted
that LED supports 12 or panels 14 may be releasably affixed to the
interior of the front or rear windshields 106 via the use of
suction cups, hook-and-loop fabric material such as Velcro.RTM.,
and/or any other releasable affixation mechanism at the preference
of an individual. An individual may then adjust and reposition the
location of the light support 12 or panels 14 within the interior
of a vehicle as desired for maximization of visualization of the
warning signal lights 10.
In another alternative embodiment as depicted in FIG. 15, warning
signal light 10 may function as a remote, revolving, or stationary
beacon. In this embodiment, LED support 12 or panel 14 is
preferably releasably connected to a transportable support 120 via
the use of a bracket. The transportable support 120 may be a tripod
having telescoping legs or may be any other type of support as
preferred by an individual. In this embodiment, LED support 12 or
panel 14 is electrically connected to an elongate electrical
extension cable 97 which may include any desired adapter for
electrical communication with the electrical system of a vehicle.
The remote light support 12 or panel 14 may also include plug-in
adapters for electrical connection to any desired electrical power
source other than a vehicle as is available.
The transportable support 120 may also include gyrator 90 as
earlier described to provide a desired rotational or oscillatory
motion for warning signal light 10. A controller 50 having a
microprocessor 52 may also be integral to or in electrical
communication with LED's 30 for the provision of multi-colored
lights, flashing, or moving characters as desired by an individual.
In this embodiment, the warning signal light 10 may be physically
separated from an emergency vehicle any desired distance to
facilitate or enhance the safety of a potentially dangerous
situation necessitating the use of warning signal lights 10. In
addition, it should be noted that a series of remote warning signal
lights 10 may be electrically coupled to each other for any desired
distance to again facilitate the safety of a situation
necessitating the use of warning signal lights 10.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms
without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof;
and it is, therefore, desired that the present embodiment be
considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive,
reference being made to the appended claims rather than to the
foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention.
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